How to Detect Hidden Cameras in a Hotel Room Using Your Smartphone

When checking into a hotel, privacy should be a top priority.

Unfortunately, cases of hidden cameras being used for illegal surveillance have been reported worldwide.

The good news is that your smartphone can be a powerful tool to detect such hidden devices.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Hidden Cameras?

Hidden cameras can be discreetly placed in hotel rooms, Airbnb rentals, or even changing rooms to invade privacy.

They may be disguised as common objects like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or electrical outlets. Detecting them can prevent unauthorized surveillance and protect your privacy.

Methods to Detect Hidden Cameras Using Your Smartphone:

1. Use Your Smartphone’s Camera to Detect Infrared Lights

Most hidden cameras emit infrared (IR) light, which is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by smartphone cameras.

How to Implement in Real Life:

1. Turn off the lights in your hotel room to make the infrared light more visible.
2. Open your smartphone camera app and slowly scan the room.
3. Look for bright, flickering, or glowing spots on your screen that are invisible to the naked eye. These may indicate the presence of an infrared light source, which could be from a hidden camera.

2. Use Your Smartphone’s Flashlight to Spot Reflective Lenses

Camera lenses reflect light, making them easier to spot when using a bright flashlight.

How to Implement in Real Life:

1. Turn off the room lights for better visibility.
2. Turn on your smartphone’s flashlight.
3. Shine the flashlight around objects like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, and air purifiers.
4. Look for small, unusual reflections that could indicate a hidden camera lens.

3. Use a Hidden Camera Detector App

Several apps are designed to detect hidden cameras by scanning for electromagnetic fields (EMF) or network-connected cameras.

How to Implement in Real Life:

1. Download a trusted hidden camera detector app such as Hidden Camera Detector, Glint Finder .
2. Open the app and scan the room by moving your phone close to suspicious objects.
3. If the app alerts you to a high electromagnetic field, inspect the area manually for hidden cameras.

4. Check for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connected Devices

Hidden cameras connected to a Wi-Fi network can be discovered by scanning for unknown devices.

How to Implement in Real Life:

1. Turn on your smartphone’s Wi-Fi settings.
2. Use an app like Fing or Network Scanner to detect all connected devices.
3. Look for unknown or suspicious device names, such as IP cameras or security cameras.
4. If an unknown device is detected, disconnect from the Wi-Fi and inspect the room.

5. Listen for Unusual Sounds with Your Smartphone’s Microphone

Some hidden cameras make faint buzzing or clicking noises when operating.

How to Implement in Real Life:

1. Turn off all electronic devices in the room to eliminate background noise.
2. Use your smartphone’s sound recording app and listen carefully.
3. Walk around the room and place the microphone near suspicious objects like vents, mirrors, and smoke detectors.
4. If you hear a faint clicking or buzzing sound, inspect the object for hidden devices.

What to Do If You Find a Hidden Camera?

If you detect a hidden camera in your hotel room:

• Do not touch or remove the camera. Take pictures and record videos as evidence.
• Immediately inform hotel management and demand a room change.
• Report the incident to local law enforcement.
• If you booked through Airbnb or another platform, report the issue immediately.